18 MONTHS TO LIVE 18 YEARS OF LIVING In January, 1990, while lifting 50-75 lb boxes at work I felt a "snap" followed by an annoying, constant dull throbbing. After several weeks I went to my doctor who ran tests, x-rays, and blood work, and admitted me to the hospital. On Valentine's day my doctor informed me that I had a disease called Multiple Myeloma, Cancer and Leukemia all wrapped up in one ugly package. I was given approximately 18 months to live. I started my 1st protocol of chemotherapy which would be repeated every 21 days.
Months later I read about a surgeon who had the same disease I had. She referred to something called a Bone Marrow Transplant. I thought, "Why can't I do this?". I asked my doctor who consulted transplant centers about my case. I was referred to the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans in June.
The long process of searching for a marrow donor started with a request to the Louisiana office of the American Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The staff there worked relentlessly on my case and by November I had a willing, designated donor. The transplant took place on December 28, 1990. It was a success.
Today, I am 57 years old, healthy, recently married (2 years), enjoying sports with my son and am free of all medications. A stranger converted my 18 months to live to 18 years and more of living.
Best Wishes to all Patients and Donors
Steve Breaux
